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Home Academic skillsStructure and argument

Structure and argument

When you are engaged in academic writing, you are creating an argument leading to a conclusion. Your statements will be cautious and tentative rather than assertive. For example, instead of using a sentence like ‘This is the most important factor’ you would say instead ‘This appears to be the most important factor’ or ‘This may be the most important factor.’

Structure is also important; academic writing needs a clear beginning, middle section and ending. Structuring your work helps it to flow. You need to have a logical transition between ideas and keep similar points together before moving onto something different. Otherwise, the reader may become confused and feel your work lacks focus. This could lose you valuable marks, so when planning your workload, always remember to build in time for preparation and writing drafts

Developing your arguments

Developing a line of argument
Developing the structure of an argument
Activity: Argument or not?
Academic writing style Critical writing
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